And all this time I thought you were a woman. I'm glad I didn't see Trainspotting before I went to Edinburgh, if a movie is any indication of what to expect from a city.

Chepar, I think my comments were about the reputation of Rome's current cultural output, in comparison to other cities in Europe.

It might, however, be interesting to rate and rank Rome's current classical and popular culture against Dallas'.

For example, has Rome recently produced a singer with the impact of Dallas' Norah Jones and her 4 Grammys?

Dallas creates some horribly violent and stunningly popular video games. Does Rome create software?

Is the best symphony orchestra in Rome better or worse than the best in Dallas? How do the opera companies compare?

Sure, I realize that Romans created a lot of art and sculpture centuries ago, but what are they doing now? Buildings by Renzo Piano? Bridges by Caltrava? Is Rome building anything comparable to the new performance halls Dallas is building?

Xbt, I challenge you to post your last post to the Europe board.

xbt:

"Chepar, I think my comments were about the reputation of Rome's current cultural output, in comparison to other cities in Europe."

Hmmm . . . I don't think so. You posted (and I quote) "If you think that Rome has a cultural institution comparable to the Nasher collection, or an Asian art museum as good as the Crow, or a hall as good as the Meyerson, or a modern art museum as beautiful as the Fort Worth Modern... name them or shut up."

I agree with Grasshopper's challenge. I think you would get much more action on the Dallas v. Rome issue on the Europe board.

I agree. This is not a Dallas vs Rome thread, and the two cities are not really comparable, as has been said.

I've lived in both Chicago and Dallas and there is no comparison. Chicago is a much better tourist attraction than Dallas in every measure, except if you are looking for warmer weather during the winter months.

Wsox,

Chicago's larger population gives it an edge over Dallas, as far as urbanity goes.In aboout 20-25 years, Dallas will have a larger population than Chicago, if historic growth rates continue, and then things may be different.

I'll say that Chicago is a better city than Dallas-Fort Worth to visit, and that D-FW is a better city than San Antonio. Except that Dallas lacks a Riverwalk and Chicago lacks a Fort Worth.

And can you please tell me at least one film director that's come out of TX that would even begin to compare to Federico Fellini.

I'm starting to see xbt's logic. He is brilliant. Check out this list:

Karachi, Pakistan
Moscow
Mexico City
Lagos, Nigeria
Ahmedabad, India
Teheran, Iran

All have larger populations than Dallas - Fort Worth, and therefore are better places to visit. I don't know about you, but I'm cancelling that trip to Seattle this summer and going to Teheran!!!